Full support at work while studying full time

Understandably, juggling full-time studies as well as a full-time job would be overwhelming and without support it would be almost impossible.

Winslow Constructors Project Engineer Gracie Sladden joined the business’s Graduate Program during the second year of a five-year degree she was studying at Deakin University and admits there were times when managing timetabling conflicts felt overwhelming.

Gracie, who completed her Bachelor of Design (Architecture) and Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) last November, says the support from Winslow and her leaders ensured it was easier to manage.

“The support from Winslow was invaluable throughout my studies. Everyone reinforced the idea that completing my degree should be my number one priority, and they saw my work experience as a valuable complement to my education,” she said.

“My leaders were incredibly understanding and always had my best interests at heart. They recognised that I was juggling a full-time academic workload while working four to five days a week, and they went above and beyond to support me.

“During exam periods, they helped lighten my responsibilities, ensuring I had the time and focus needed to perform well in my studies.”

Winslow’s Graduate Program provides students and university graduates with the opportunity to gain a unique industry experience, while developing essential, practical, and interpersonal skills.

It is why Winslow has achieved a Prosple ranking of Number 1 in the Construction and Property sector and 10th Overall in the Top 100 Graduate Employers for 2025.

Prosple is a recruitment platform used by more than 40 universities where different industry graduate positions are advertised.

Construction Manager Matt Brown said Winslow is committed to providing a holistic approach to learning.

“At Winslow, we invest in and develop our workforce to ensure strong skills in our teams,” Matt said.

“Employees are empowered to be accountable, confident, and independent thinkers. We aspire to retain and develop our people with the goal of providing long-term employment opportunities.”

Gracie said one of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to spend time on-site and see firsthand how the work she was doing in the office translated into real construction.

“Working closely with the foremen was especially beneficial, as it gave me a clearer understanding of what I was ordering and why,” she said.

“Their patience and willingness to explain processes allowed me to connect the technical aspects of office work with practical on-site execution.

“Having the chance to apply what I was learning at university in a real-world setting was incredibly beneficial and an opportunity most students don’t get until they start full time work after they have completed their degree.

“This hands-on experience not only reinforced my learning, but also helped me develop a stronger foundation for decision-making, which has been instrumental in my career progression.

“Since finishing my studies, I have been given more of a leadership role for two new upcoming jobs which are both about to start.

“The graduate program has provided me with an incredible foundation for my career, and I’m grateful to have been part of it.”